Alaska Native Artist Opportunities

CIRI recognizes the importance of art to the Alaska Native cultural identity. We want to keep our history and traditions alive, and are pleased to support shareholder and descendant artists in a variety of ways.

CIRI shareholder and descendant artists are encouraged to submit information for inclusion in CIRI’s online Alaska Native Artist Directory, which features information about eligible artists and their original Alaska Native artwork and/or non-consumable traditional Alaskan handmade items, along with a photograph of the artist’s work. Once published, artists remain eligible to have their listing posted by sending an email to info@ciri.com if any of the information included in the listing changes, and by maintaining up-to-date contact information with CIRI’s Shareholder Relations Department. There is no charge to participating artists, who remain responsible for selling their own artwork. In providing this service, CIRI is simply providing an avenue for artists to connect with other shareholders and descendants, as well as members of the general public. Click here for the program guidelines and registration form.

Other Outreach Avenues

CIRI Fireweed Business Center

CIRI provides tables and gives Alaska Native artists the opportunity to sell their handmade crafts in the first-floor lobby area of CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center’s every Tuesday and Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Artists may call (907) 274-8638 to learn more or schedule a table.

Friendship Potlatches

CIRI invites its shareholder and descendant artists to sell their wares at CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches. A limited number of tables are available at these events at no charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. CIRI potlatches are generally held in the fall, with the dates and locations announced in the Raven’s Circle newsletter and on CIRI’s website and Facebook page a month or so prior to the actual events.

Holiday Craft Bazaar

Each year, CIRI shareholder and descendant artists have an opportunity to showcase their handmade Alaska Native arts and crafts at CIRI’s annual Holiday Craft Bazaar. The bazaar, which is typically held the first Saturday of December, is open to the public and allows artists to showcase and sell their creations just in time for the holiday season. The call for artists is typically announced in the fall in the Raven’s Circle newsletter and on CIRI’s website and Facebook page, with eligible artists who RSVP before the specified deadline accepted on a first-come/first-served, space-available basis.

Other Resources

The Alaska State Council on the Arts, in partnership with The CIRI Foundation, developed an Alaska Native Artist Resource Workbook to assist Alaska Native artists in furthering their artistic careers. Click here to download the workbook and view a list of additional artist resources.